The 49ers are where the Raiders were three years ago – drastically undermanned, in the midst of unrelenting losing, and with Fort Knox-like money under the salary cap. Obviously, the 10-2 Raiders have made the right moves in hiring coach Jack Del Rio, drafting players like Derek Carr and Amari Cooper, and acquiring players like …

It was the latest chapter in a forgettable season for Brooks, 30, who began the season overweight, was reportedly almost dealt to the Browns before the trading deadline and was benched in the second half of a win against the Giants on Nov. 16 after yelling at defensive line coach Jim Tomsula over his playing time. On Sunday, Brooks said he didn’t think his punishment fit his crime. …

In the first half, outside linebacker Dan Skuta is playing on base downs and rookie Aaron Lynch has entered in pass-rushing situations. Brooks has typically been standing on the sideline, holding his helmet with his arms folded when the 49ers are on defense. …

Davis, who was ruled out Friday for today’s game against the Raiders, said Thursday he’s still experiencing symptoms from a severe concussion that left in a “white fog” for several days. Jonathan Martin will make his eighth start of the season in place of Davis, who has also missed time with hamstring and ankle injuries. …

The Raiders (1-11) have a recent history of ineptitude, but that hasn’t deterred Harbaugh in the past. When he arrived at Stanford, the Cardinal was coming off a 1-11 record and had endured five straight losing seasons. The 49ers hadn’t reached the playoffs for eight straight seasons when Harbaugh was hired in 2011. …

After 12 regular-season games, the 49ers rank fourth in the NFL in total defense, 22nd in total offense and first – by a wide margin — in off-the-field distractions. The Kings of Chaos, led by their bordering-on-lame-duck head coach, actually got started early in the offseason and there’s since been little let up. …

Right guard Alex Boone termed him an “evil genius,” left tackle Joe Staley dubbed him a “mad scientist” and running back Frank Gore said “you’ve got to give it to the coordinator — give it to Coach G-Ro, he did a great job.” …

On Wednesday, Justin Smith said he hadn’t determined if he’d return in 2015 for a 15th NFL season. On Thursday, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio unveiled his strategy for keeping the All-Pro defensive tackle with an Anheuser-Busch logo on his left biceps with the 49ers. …

Niners right tackle Anthony Davis said today he’s still experiencing concussion symptoms after he was injured in a win against the New York Giants on Nov. 16. Davis said the first concussion of his football-playing career left him in a “white fog” for the first several days. …

After he signed a two-year contract extension in June 2013, 49ers defensive tackle Justin Smith reiterated what he’d stated in the past: He’d retire before he became a part-time player. “When it’s time to get my a– out of here,” he said, “I’m going.” …

At the time, Parcells was 69 and four years removed from his last head-coaching job with the Cowboys. Baalke began his career as a scout with the Jets in 1998 when Parcells was the head coach. Baalke has termed Parcells one of the biggest influences on his career and he still consults with him on personnel matters. …

The problem? None of those receivers inspire opponents to create we’ve-got-to-stop-him game plans. Consider that the 34-year-old Boldin averages a team-high 12.4 yards per catch, which is the third-lowest team-leading figure in the NFL (Jets, Dolphins). …

Meanwhile, it appears increasingly unlikely inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (knee) will play this season. Harbaugh doesn’t expect Bowman to practice this week. The 49ers have until Dec. 9 to either place Bowman on the 53-man roster or end his season by keeping him on the physically unable to perform list. …